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The average kindergarten student has seen more than 5,000 hours of television, having spent more time in front of the ... More

THE CURIOUS POLKA-DOT PRESENT

Summary: Our young storyteller is getting ready to celebrate her birthday. Her Mom says a special present will be arriving soon. What could it be? Lots of questions add to the anticipation of her special day. This story also illustrates the love between a child and her grandmother. This picture book celebrate's a young girl's anticipation of a special birthday gift.

Type of Reading: bedtime story, family reading, read aloud book

Recommended Age: read together: 3 to 8; read yourself: 6 to 9

Interest Level: 4 to 7

Age of Child: Started reading with child nearly 6 years old; also read with two five-year-old girls.

Young Reader Reaction: Our daughter was excited about reading (and re-reading) this book ... even after she knew what the present was! The story resonated with our child, because her Grandma, too, makes special presents! “It was great. I like the pictures it had and the present the little girl got.”

Adult Reader Reaction: This is a story that captures the excitement every young child expresses as their birthday approaches. This is a story that would make a special gift TO grandma, too! I loved the content of the book and the way that the words were “illustrated” throughout the book.

Pros: Every child can relate to the excitement, curiosity, and anticipation that our birthday-girl experiences. The bright colors and over-sized print help set the tone for the story.

Cons: None, really. The book's presentation (e.g., bright colors, whimsical word placement) might suggest this is a rhyming book ... but it isn't.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. The theme of the book could be enjoyed many times over. Preschoolers and children in Kindergarten, in particular, will enjoy this story over and over again, even when it is not their birthday. It will have more meaning for kids who have a special relationship with their grandmothers.

Educational Themes: This is largely just a book for enjoying together. The story describes and illustrate feelings like happiness, excitement, anticipation, and surprise. So if you want to talk about feelings, it is easy to do.